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Base troops return from mission to Latvia

One hundred and fifty soldiers from 2 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG) were welcomed home Tuesday on their return from Latvia and their work on Operation REASSURANCE, Canada’s ongoing contribution to the NATO mission of deterrence in the Baltics.

Tuesday marked the first group of the 540 soldiers scheduled to return by the end of January.

The troops were received by family and friends at a ceremony held at the home of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Canadian Regiment, at Garrison Petawawa.

The bulk of Canadian soldiers returning from this rotation are from 2CMBG.

“I have watched with pride, alongside all ranks of 2 CMBG, the accomplishments of the battle group deployed to Latvia over the past six months.

“The impact that this force has had is immeasurable as they held the line on NATO’s eastern flank in concert with the Latvian Armed Forces and our NATO Allies,” said Colonel Jason Adair, commander of 2CMBG.

“I am extremely proud of the contribution that Canadian soldiers have made over the past six months in Latvia,” added Lieutenant-Colonel Steve MacBeth, outgoing commander of the battle group.

“It was an honour to work alongside our Latvian hosts and friends, and such professional soldiers from so many NATO nations. They have set an outstanding example and shown a true commitment to peace in the region.”

Deployments under Op REASSURANCE are scheduled to continue until March 2023. The next rotation will be manned by soldiers from 5 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group from Valcartier, Québec, and are already in theatre in Latvia.